everything i (re)read in 2020: to kill a kingdom by alexandra christo

Being back on mainland was never the funnest for Cleo. Everyone else upon the Jolly Roger went off to taverns and some brothels. Her Captain remained on the ship however as did the First Mate Smee. Cleo usually went into the taverns but tonight? She decided to stay by the ship, overlooking the sea. It had always called to her, ever since she was young. Tonight was no different, listening to the soft waves hit under the bridge of the harbour, the ruckess behind her of men who stumbled in and out of various abodes.

Cleo was a pretty young woman, hazel eyes with a flush to her cheeks and freckles dotted across the bridge of her nose from her time at sea. Auburn curls resting upon her shoulders, covering up the tattoos she had on her neck. A singular rune, yet Cleo didn't have more than one tattoo, they were testaments to how many battles she had won.

She sat upon the dock, one leg hanging over the edge as her eyes cast to the glowing moon that made the moving water glisten silver under its light.

"My mother says I have Irish eyes Irish eyes, Irish eyes. My mother says I have Irish eyes, they go ever so blue under stormy skies. But they're never so blue as when I let them cry.."

Jolting awake, Kai was covered in a light sheen of sweat. The blond hair matted to his skull, the tattered old blanket hung loosely around him as he rolled in his bed. His dark blue eyes peered around, the wind blowing the piece of fabric he had placed over one of the windows. Kai could read the sun and sky from there, it was about midday, he figured.

The dream is already a sinking memory. Sinking… The word clung to him, stayed in his brain long after the sentence had dissipated. Rolling again, he stretched and yawned. The sounds of the dock below his small, abandoned living space were becoming more and more clear. He could hear the gulls squawking and the sounds of the sea splashing against the rocks, the sounds the spray made as it entered the air before slapping down onto the rocks. Kai’s lids became heavy again, the sounds of the sea were calming and naturally put him at ease every time. Before drifting off to sleep again, another sound filtered through his open windows. Someone singing..

The song was easily very familiar, Kai knew all the shanties. But the voice, that was a mystery to him. Lying in bed, he listened for a while before deciding to have a peek. The voice belonged to a woman, she sounded to be about Kai’s age, from what he could assume. Walking out, he ducked to exit his door, a quick hand snaking into the doorway as he snatched up his shoes. In another swift movement, Kai slid the shoes on before dropping to his knees and laid on his belly. 

In the prone position, Kai could see the woman now. She had her back to him, face towards the open sea and he immediately grinned. His own voice was soft as he sang along with her.

“I'm a map of the world and the ones before. One foot in sea and one on the shore. Every step, every hope flung high. I'm a map of them all with my Irish eyes.”

Her head tilted to the side, yet she did not remove her sword. "..Been spying on me?" She queried taking a step further toward him there was no caution however. "What are ya doin' on your stomach anyway?" Another question, it was the most peculiar position to spy on her.

She saw a few of the men from her crew, Bill Jukes went to take hold of the faired haired male "Leave him! He is doing no harm." Her fellow crew mate looked toward Cleo then to Kai, "If ya sure lass.." he took a step back, "You know the Cap'n's orders, no tomfollery!" Cleo reminded to which the Pirate smirked. "Aye Crain, I know.." he went back to the main square, staggered back to the tavern of which he came.

She took a further step, now opposite him placing her sword back by her hip. He was handsome, no doubt about that. "Bill Jukes is the rugged sort..uses fists before he thinks" Cleo commented, although she was sure they all did, except Hook and Smee. Yet she kept her name under wraps, all except her Surname of which Jukes had undoubtly given away. She then couldn't help the small smirk that formed across her features, "You like shanties too then? Wouldn't be singing them with me if ya didn't" Hazel hues briefly looked up to the Jolly Roger, in case her Captain decided to call down for orders, but today was a day off for the crew to relax and enjoy their time on land.

"Luckily we don't have flight practise until the end of the day tomorrow.." she was unsure if he would even be able to stay on Bar in his state. "Imogen is right though..I don't exactly make friends easily, keep to myself" perhaps it was because she didn't know who she was..she could only remember so far into her past. 'Stop doubting yourself' Falkor spoke, 'I thought I blocked you out' a low chuckle grumbled 'obviously not hard enough..I chose you for a reason fiery one.. that won't go unnoted' Eilonwy however ignored him.